Düsseldorf 2011

For the first time since 1983, Germany hosted the Eurovision Song Contest. The 2011 Eurovision Song Contest was held in Düsseldorf following an open selection process.

A total of forty-three countries took part in the 2011 contest held in Düsseldorf. The city emerged as the winner of an open selection process which saw several cities compete for the right to host the Eurovision Song Contest.

The biggest news of this contest was the return of Italy, after more than ten years. Italy joined France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom to form the so-called Big Five countries that have automatic qualification to the Grand Final. Italy went on to take second place in the Grand Final with the song Madness Of Love by Raphael Gualazzi.

One of the most famous German comediennes, Anke Engelke, TV anchor Judith Rakers and all-round showman Stefan Raab hosted the event. Raab had also been part of Lena’s winning team in 2010.

The contest

Latest news about Düsseldorf 2011

Vlatko Ilievski (F.Y.R. Macedonia 2011) found dead in Skopje

Singer Vlatko Ilievski, who represented F.Y.R. Macedonia at the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest in Düsseldorf with Rusinka, passed away. Citing a police statement Press24 reports that the singer, one of the country's most well-known rock singers, was found dead in a car in Skopje last night. Earlier this week Vlatko celebrated his 33rd birthday.

In 2007, F.Y.R. Macedonia also lost a former Eurovision Song Contest participant at a young age, when Toše Proeski (26) was killed in a car accident.

On behalf of the entire Eurovision community we would like to express our condolences to Vlatko's loved ones.